Customer Reviews
The Study of Karate - By: M. A. Ramos, 06 Oct 2007 
Funakoshi writes about his life. And what it was like to learn karatein the times when it was hard to find a teacher. The book should be read by all karateka. There are two things I feel that are missing from this book. The focus on the Shuri district (there are three districts that are important to the development of Karate)and the fact that Funakoshi never likes to have dates recordedin any of his books.
Humbled by the master - By: S J Buck, 22 Sep 2007 
A wonderful book from the man who effectively created Shotokan Karate.
Funakoshi was a very humble man who was trained by two early Okinawan masters (Yasutsune Azato & Yasutsune Itosu). He never boasts of his acheivements & indeed claims only ever to have used his skills once, when he was quite old, to protect himself & his goods from a young thug. He regretted this act though.
The book is only small, & perhaps this reflects a man who lived a very simple life. As he says "think of everyday life as Karate". Whether you are a new student nervously awaiting your first grading or a Dan grade with years of experience you should really read this book to bring a sense of perspective to your Karate.
Every Shotokan Karate-ka ought to be given this when they 1st join their club - By: Terry Tozer, 14 Feb 2007 In his biographical masterpiece, Supreme Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi gives a very witty, intelligent & often funny account of his whole life, from his early days when he was forced to take up training for his poor health to when he was finally invited to Japan to give the first successful demonstration of his art - Shotokan Karate.
He was obviously a very clever man who really had a passion for his art. At an early age he developed a goal, a vision & a passion to learn all he could about karate from the then great masters of his time & present it to the world. He recounts several timesin his life when he was confronted by would-be assailants & describes how he got out of the potentially lethal encounter, he does thisin a very witty & often funny way.
Despite the book being very small & could be read by some perhapsin a day or so, it really is very interesting & worth reading several times, especially if you practice Karate. I think that it's the sort of book that should be given to new students on joining a Shotokan club.
It's just packed with gems of wisdom worth there weightin gold for successful living, evenin today's manic society.
Asin all the other positive reviews listed here already, Funakoshi's book is full of wisdom, inspiration & hope.
Check out Clive Layton's "Training With Funakoshi" too, an excellent work from a different perspective not to mention Funakoshi's "Twenty Guiding Principles".
Ought to be on every Shotokan karate-ka's bookshelf!
Well worth the read - By: Gerard Joyce, 01 Oct 2005 
In my opinion, this is a great read for anyone, not just those who have or are still trainingin the martial arts, but for anybody. It is so easy to read & one has to be very impressed by the honesty shown.
I found the chapter entitled "One life - great losses" very touching, where he spoke about his wife's death. In the same chapter, section entitled "every day", he gave a detailed description of his healthy life style. So much informationin this section alone. Great man, with great enthusiasm & plans for the further development of Karate-do.
Karate-do: My Way of Life. - By: MR.G.HOLTOM., 11 Jul 2005 I read this book & could not put it down.Its the great true life history of master GICHIN FUNAKOSHI & the things that happen to him within & out of his karate life,(funny avents),a great read & a must for all karate folk.
